Green Housing

Green housing is a term used for eco-friendly living. Whether building a new home with all Green Technology or making improvements on an existing home to make it more eco-friendly the green housing industry is growing.

Green housing is a step to help reduce the impact of humans on the environment and helps to promote better health and economic prosperity through energy efficiency and the use of sustainable resources.

Through making homes more efficient, using sustainable resources, and replacing appliances with energy efficient models we can lessen our impact on the environment and save our financial resources as well.

When choosing to build a new home the size and shape can greatly influence the eco-friendliness of the home.Choosing an excessively large home reduces the efficiency and increases the impact on the environment, a greener choice for the size of your home would be to figure about 500 sq ft per occupant.

This provides a comfortable living condition with less raw material and energy consuming space.  The shape of the home can increase the efficiency as well; today more dome shaped homes are being built. 

A dome shaped home can save an average of 30 percent more surface space as a box home of thesame size giving less area for heat and cooling to escape.
A dome shaped home allows for more natural light andair circulation and thus can decrease the usage requirements of energy in the home.

A dome shaped home also is more aerodynamic and cold air will blow around the home instead of penetrating the walls.

An existing home can be re-modeled into a eco friendly house thus utilizing the materials that are already in the home reducing waste that would find itself in the landfills and dumps.
Some of the biggest impacts on making your home more eco-friendly are to make your home more efficient.

This can be done by insulating it, using energy efficient windows and doors and replacing the appliances with energy efficient ones.

Insulating your home can save your energy use by up to 50 percent and tax credits are available for many people who insulate their homes.

When choosing an insulation look for natural material insulations such as recycled denim and cotton insulations.

Replacing the windows and doors in your home can increase the efficiency and energy conservation as well as making you eligible for tax credits. 

Energy efficient appliances are available that use less water and energy as well as costing less peruse. There are many ways to improve the eco-friendliness of your existing home even if you are cannot remodel or do extensive changes like appliances and windows.

Eco Friendly Houses

Replacing your regular light bulbs with CFL bulbs can save up to 75 percent more energy usage and save money in energy costs as well.

Adjust your heating and cooling by just 3 degrees; turning the heat down and the cooling up, can save over 1000 pounds of CO2 emissions each year.

Wash clothes in cold water instead of hot, line dry clothes when you can and if using the dishwasher always ensure a full load and allow it to air dry instead of heat drying. 

If you do not have a low flow toilet you can convert your existing toilets by placing water filled bottles in the tank; this displaces the tank water and saves with each flush.

When it is time to paint, look for paints that do not use VOC (volatile organic compounds) which is bad for the environment and health.

Green housing and Earth friendly living is the responsibility of everyone; however, there are varying degrees that people can achieve.

If each person lives as environmentally responsible as they are able the impact of the efforts globally will be seen.

One family may be able to build an entirely green home whereas most families are able to just improved the eco-friendliness of their existing home; whatever your level, it is only effective if you do it.

(source : http://www.environment-green.com/Green_Housing.htm)

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Industrial Energy Efficiency

The industrial sector is vital to the U.S. economy, but at the same time consumes the most energy in the country to manufacture products we use every day. Among the most energy-intensive industries are aluminum, chemicals, forest product, glass, metal casting, mining, petroleum refining, and steel.

The energy supply chain begins with electricity, steam, natural gas, coal, and other fuels supplied to a manufacturing plant from off-site power plants, gas companies, and fuel distributors. Energy then flows to either a central energy generation utility system or is distributed immediately for direct use. Energy is then processed using a variety of highly energy-intensive systems, including steam, process heating, and motor-driven equipment such as compressed air, pumps, and fans.

Throughout the manufacturing process, energy is lost due to equipment inefficiency and mechanical and thermal limitations. Optimizing the efficiency of these systems can result in significant energy and cost savings and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Understanding how energy is used and wasted—or energy use and loss footprints—can help plants pinpoint areas of energy intensity and ways to improve efficiency.

Crosscutting technologies such as combustion, distributed energy, fuel and feedstock flexibility, and nanomanufacturing are common to many industrial processes across multiple industries. Because of the widespread application of these crosscutting systems, even small improvements in efficiency can yield large energy savings and reduce industry's carbon footprint.

Opportunities also exist for companies to save energy and money in data centers, which consume large amounts of energy to run and maintain computer systems, servers, and associated high-performance components.

(Source : http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/industry/)

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Will Biofuels Save the Planet

Biofuels are a recent development, which has seen significant attention recently due to humanity's ever-dwindling supply of natural resources or more specifically our over-dependence on fossil fuels.

This has stemmed a great deal of scientific research into the issue of alternative energy and bio fuels have been seen as a potentially environmentally and affordable way for us to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

Biofuels is really an umbrella term and it can mean almost anything, from hydroelectric power, which is generated from waves to wind, solar and other forms of generating energy. However, for the most part the term biofuels is used to refer to that of alternative substitutes for petrol, diesel or aircraft fuel.

Up until recently, car manufacturers were highly reluctant to invest significantly in bio fuels research for mainstream vehicles. This was because biofuels are to some extent an unproven technology – we know it works; just there is little research on the overall benefits of biofuels not only to consumers, but also to the planet.

This has meant that until further research has been completed, many industries are reluctant to join in to develop biofuels into a sustainable and realistic form of energy.

Many people argue that the reason car manufacturers have started to adopt biofuels as a technology is mainly because of pressure from the world governments due to the environmental impact that fossil fuels are having on the planet.

Speaking from an environmental perspective, the rate of consumption for fossil fuels has risen exponentially in the past twenty years and as a result, we are now faced with the reality that fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel will run out within the next hundred years.

Bio fuels are a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Many varieties exist and they vary significantly. Some examples are that of biodiesel, which entails growing crops that contain high amounts of natural oil then through a process of hydrogenation or refining a more compatible bio diesel, substitute is created. This creates a biodiesel, which can be mixed with mineral diesel then used in any diesel-powered automobile.

There is a similar process that takes place creating bio-petrol by fermenting crops such as sugar cane. This creates a natural ethanol, which can also be mixed with petrol to create a sort of hybrid biofuel that can be used in any petrol powered vehicle.

However, problems exist due to the properties of ethanol as it is more corrosive than petrol and as a result, it cannot be used in many aircraft or boats.

These are examples of first generation biofuels and due to their nature they may or may not be long-term economically or environmentally viable. Arguments exist that both support the continued use of biofuels and prove they are not the miracle fuel we are waiting for.

The truth is that bio fuels technology is still young. In the next twenty years, we look set to see biofuel research expand exponentially as we get close to the day when fossil fuels are exhausted.

Until that time comes, we will always have a reliance on fossil fuels and we can only hope that biofuels as analternative is a reality within the next twenty years.

(source : http://www.biofuels.co.uk/)

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Love the Environment, Save our Earth

There are many ways that you can help the environment in your daily life.

Its never too late to start changing things for the better. The earth is constantly trying to heal itself from the damage we inflict upon it. The reason this healing process isn't working anymore is because we consume natural resources and pollute the environment faster than the earth can recover from it. When we reduce our consumption and the amount of pollutants we create, the earth will be able to regenerate more easily. Working towards sustainable lifestyles will create a better, healthier environment for everyone, now and in the future - and that the hope lay with each one of us.

Here are few tips you can do to save the environment:-

1. Turn off unneeded lights even when leaving a room for a short time.

2. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.

3. Turn off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use.

4. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.

5. Minimize pesticide use and create a wildlife habitat in your yard.

6. Copy and print on both sides of paper.

7. Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips.

8. Walk or ride your bike instead of driving, whenever possible.

9. Join a carpool or vanpool to get to school.

10. Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.

Environmentally friendly actions don't have to be large to have an impact. Consistently reducing the amount of energy, water, and paper our businesses use can make a huge difference, both to the environment and to our pocketbooks. How much paper would you save over the course of a year, for instance, if you always ran doublesided copies? A small easy way to go green - but a big result!

(source:http://www.the-green-campaign.com/)

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Green Technology is the " future " at large

Green technology is a technology that is environment-friendly and ensures that natural resources are conserved. Green technology is the 'future' at large, and the main aim of this innovative technology is to avoid any deterioration to the environmental resources. In a way, green technology helps in reducing the amount of pollution that is being emitted during the process of production and even while consuming the products. It talks about the relationship between human beings and natural resources, and the irreversible hazard that is being caused to the nature and the environment because of the economic activities.

One can quote some examples of environmental hazards such as pollution of rivers, global warming resulting in depletion of ozone layer etc.

Green technology is not only essential for sustainable development in the long-run but there are also short-term advantages of using eco-friendly fuels. India can use 'cradle to cradle' technology, rather than 'cradle to grave', that can be fully re-used.

There are certain crucial issues that need to be focused upon while introducing green technology. For instance, a social awareness about the need for environment-friendly goods and services for production and consumption at a larger scale is required. And, for this, a massive campaign on this issue has to be undertaken. Green technology as a subject needs to be made mandatory in academics. The industrial segment needs to be pushed forward to come out with more environment-friendly production and consumption processes. Various incentives need to be given to the industrial sector, which is ready to innovate and implement green technology.

(source:http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Green-technology)

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What is Bioenergy ?

What is Bioenergy ?

Bioenergy is energy derived from biomass, which is organic material such as wood, plants, or animal wastes. Bioenergy can be used to generate electricity, produce heat, and also for the production of biofuels. The three main areas of bioenergy are:-  

• Biomass
• Biogas
• Biofuels
• Co-firing

   

Biomass

Biomass can be burned to produce electricity, hot water or hot air. Direct combustion is the simplest and most common method of generating energy from biomass. For small-scale applications, the fuel usually takes the form of wood pellets, chips and logs. Wood pellets are a compact form of wood, with low moisture content & high energy density. Larger applications use fuels such a miscanthus and willow, which are short rotation crops.

The energy content of the fuel used depends on the moisture content. A higher moisture level will slow down the combustion process, as the water has to boil off before the fuel burns.

Agricultural Waste

Wood is not the only form of biomass that can be burnt to produce energy. Other forms of biomass produced by farmers are by-products of conventional agricultural activity. They include 'dry' agricultural wastes such as straw, damaged grain or seeds, even animal bedding has been tried as a fuel. These wastes vary in their efficiency, but for farmers who burn these wastes for heat, they can represent a useful and cheap fuel source.

  

'Wet' agricultural wastes such as manure can also be used to generate heat and electricity by a process called Anaerobic Digestion.

  

Electricity

In biomass electricity generation, biomass is combusted and heat is produced, which is then used to generate electricity.

 Biomass Heating

Biomass heating systems produce either hot water or hot air. The biomass is combusted in a furnace, where it heats either air or water. Hot air production is used primarily for space heating, and hot water can be used either as part of a domestic hot water system or for heating systems such as central heating and underfloor heating. In hot water systems, a heat exchange system can be used to heat water tanks etc.

 Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Combined heat and power systems can also be used – the biomass is burned to produce both electricity and heat. CHP is an efficient way to use the biomass, as it uses the waste heat from generation as useful energy.

  

Biogas

Biogas is a mixture comprising mainly methane and carbon dioxide. It is produced when organic matter decomposes in the absence of oxygen. This can take place in a landfill site to give landfill gas or in an anaerobic digester to give biogas. Sewage gas is biogas produced by the digestion of sewage sludge.

An anaerobic digester produces conditions that encourage the natural breakdown of organic matter by bacteria in the absence of air, so that the biomass breaks down much faster than usual.

Anaerobic digestion is a method for turning residues from livestock farming and food processing industries into biogas, fibre and a liquid called 'digestate'. The outputs from the digestion process are:

Biogas – a mixture of 60% methane, 40% carbon dioxide and traces of other gases. Biogas can be burnt to produce either heat or energy. The biogas is burnt in the same was as natural gas, and the resultant heat can either be used for space heating, hot water systems, or to generate electricity or as a road fuel.

Digestate – an inert and sterile wet product containing valuable plant nutrients and organic humus which can be applied to land as a soil conditioner and biofertilizer.

  

Biofuels

Biofuels are fuels made from biomass (organic matter) which can be used instead of traditional fossil fuels. Biofuels are most commonly used for transport, but are also used for small heating applications

The three most common biofuels are:

• Biodiesel
• Bioethanol
• Biomethanol

Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils, and can either replace diesel completely or be mixed in different proportions. It is most commonly blended, as it gives better performance, and in the UK car warranties are made invalid if biodiesel is used to replace diesel completely. This type of biofuel can be used in diesel engines with no modifications. Typical feedstocks for biodiesel are mainstream agricultural crops such as oilseed rape (Northern Europe) and sunflower oil (Southern Europe).

Bioethanol is produced from a variety of agricultural feedstock, including starch crops, sugar crops and woody crops. By-products from the sugar industry, such as molasses, can also be used. The most typical feedstocks are wheat and sugar beet (Northern Europe) and sweet sorghum (Southern Europe). Bioethanol can be used in existing petrol engines, although some petrol is needed in addition to the fuel when cold starting.

Biomethanol is produced from wood, and is used in existing petrol engines in the same way as bioethanol. It is not as common as either biodiesel or bioethanol.

Co-firing

Co-firing refers to the simultaneous combustion of a supplementary fuel (i.e. biomass) with a base fuel (i.e. coal). Co-firing biomass with coal is seen as the cheapest way of generating green power in utility plants. In addition it also reduces the emissions of fossil based carbon dioxide and is accredited under the Renewables Obligation. From a community services perspective, biomass co-firing represents an opportunity to add value to raw materials.

After 31st March 2006 co-firing coal with biomass will only be eligible under the Renewables Obligation if 75 % or more of the energy content of the biomass derives from energy crops. The co-firing of coal and biomass will only be eligible under the Renewables Obligation until 31st March 2011.

Co-firing can be subdivided into: Direct Co-firing: biomass and coal are fired in the same compartment. Indirect Co-firing: combustion/ gasification of biomass occurs in a separate facility.

( Source:http://www.bioenergywm.co.uk/  )

  

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What is biomass?

The following are some consensus definitions of biomass at European and International level: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Definition of renewable biomass: "The biomass is the non-fossil fraction of an industrial or municipal waste." Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Definition of solid biomass: "Biomass is defined as any plant matter used directly as fuel or converted into other forms before combustion." EU's Waste Framework Directive: "bio-waste" means biodegradable garden and park waste, food and kitchen waste from households, restaurants, caterers and retail premises and comparable waste from food processing plants" International Energy Agency (IEA) Definition of Biomass: "Solid Biomass products, gas and liquids derived from biomass and the renewable part of municipal waste." European Biomass Association (AEBIOM) Definition of Biodegradable Waste: "Biodegradable waste is the biomass that can cover several forms of waste such as organic fraction of municipal solid waste, wood waste, refuse-derived fuels, sewage sludge, etc." On the other hand, among definitions of biomass which can be found in government agencies, research institutions and universities in Malaysia are: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Physics Definition of Biomass: "The term, biomass should be used not only to refer to lignocellulosic materials but to encompass all plant and animal matter i.e. any organic matter. However as the contribution from animal matter is only a small percentage of the total, the term biomass is generally used to refer to organic matter from plants." Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Definition of Biomass: "Biomass is a cellulose material which can be broadly classified as woody and non-woody. Non-woody biomass that can be used as a fuel include agricultural residue such as bagasse, straws, husks, and pits. Also, manure can be used as a fuel. Wood fuel includes round wood (cord wood), limb wood, wood chip, bark, sawdust, forest residues, charcoal, pulp waste, and spent pulping liquor." Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Energy Research Alliance (ERA) "Biomass is a form of biological matter that can be utilized as a kind of fuel or in other industrial processes. The most common types of biomass are wood, grass or agricultural crops." Is there biomass industry? The biomass industry represents several different industries brought together by the utilization of renewable organic matters including timber waste, oil palm waste, rice husk; coconut trunk fibers, municipal waste, sugar cane waste, etc. These organic materials have the potential to be used in the manufacturing of value-added eco-products composites, bio-fertilizers, bio-pellets, etc.) and the generation of renewable energy. Biomass in Malaysia remains untapped despite its abundant resources in our country. Every year, a minimum of 168 million tonnes of biomass are produced. There are also hundred types of biomass-related research an activities currently undertaken by public research institutions. A lot of policies developed to facilitate the uptake on biomass and renewable energy among SMEs are still underway, limiting the efficiencies of coordination among local agencies and biomass industry in Malaysia. There is no reliable and clear data on the potential of biomass in the market Limited incentives and funding support are provided to bear the high cost of initial investment In response to the global fight against climate change, biomass definitely has a firm position in the national agenda. As such, the commercialisation of biomass resources is no longer about simply profit-making. The issue is growing to be more complex and more diverse, therefore it opens an opportunity for engagement between different stakeholders which are inclusive of government, industry and research institutions. ( Source:http://www.biomass-sp.net/ 2010 )

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